On Wednesday 18th March, the Music Department was privileged to welcome Amalia Hall and Matthias Balzat from the NZ Trio to work with some of our musicians and share their expertise and encouragement. They held an intensive workshop, supporting our smaller chamber music groups and section leaders of Westlake Chamber Orchestra as they refined their repertoire for upcoming performances in the NZCT competition, and our Music Tour to China in the April school holidays.
Members of our Taharoto Orchestra and classroom music students were invited to observe, gaining valuable insight into professional rehearsal techniques and musicality.
Many of our string players found the advice on contact points and bow speed to be informative for helping carry their sound in a large performance space. Students also started developing and improving the art of ‘passing the melody’ when performing in smaller chamber groups so the solo sections had the opportunity to shine through.
We are looking forward to seeing these ensembles performances in Term 2!
